Latest Blog Posts

Denamarin: Liver Support for Pets

From one of the most trustworthy nutritional supplement companies on the market, Denamarin is an excellent multifaceted supplements that can significantly improve liver function by increasing liver glutathione levels. The duel main ingredients of SAMe and Silybin (active ingredient of milk thistle) are potent antioxidants that protect liver cells and may even promote liver cell regeneration in dogs with active liver disease.

The product also can help with digestion and absorption of nutrients from the diet as well. There are no negative side effects seen with this product, and on the positive side, pets usually become more active and playful as liver function improves when taking this product.

It is certainly safe to use long term and even as a preventative in those pets who are also taking medications that may be toxic to the liver such as prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Previcox or Metacam. The only client concerns I have seen with this product revolve around the cost. However, because of the combination of wonderful synergistic liver supportive ingredients in this one product, it is certainly highly worth it in my opinion and experience.

I was also told by my vet to only give Denamarin without food. I tried for 15 minutes and got one pill down and in trying the second one my dog would not let me and I almost got bitten because he would not let me open his mouth. I do understand that it works better on an empty stomache, but a pill with a tiny bit of food should be better than none at all?

I am curious about using this on a dog with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. My dog had a very large (5.5 lbs) grade 2 HCC removed 2 years ago. She has been doing very well in these last two years. However, we did a CBC and abdominal ultrasound recently, in preparation to remove a Grade 3 Mast Cell Tumor from her ear, and discovered she had slightly elevated liver enzymes. Aspirates from a small mass on her liver–in the area where remnants from her liver lobectomy was done–indicate a probable return of the HCC. If Denamarin is protective against liver cell death, am I giving the cancer cells a boost at the same time I am helping her healthier liver cells? Has any research been done? I am not too worried about the HCC on its own, as it is small at this time, slow growing, and my dog is already 13 years old (though you would never know it to look at and hang out with her!). I like the positive impact of Denamarin, but I don’t want to encourage the HCC to thrive either. Any insights would be appreciated.

I dont think the main ingredients in the denamarin would affect the tumor in a negative way as the two main ingredients milk thistle and SAMe are both antioxidants and liver cell protectants for the general organ. There are no contraindications with this product as far as I know from a promoting cancer perspective. You also may want to consult with a holistic veterinarian as well on other supportive holistic care that may help her at this age, rather than putting her through more surgery and/or chemo/radiation, etc

Thank you so much for the reply. I WOULD like to follow up with a holistic practitioner, as I am currently really struggling with the decision making process as far as the MCT goes. We have recommendations for a second, more aggressive surgery on her ear, with a probable full ablation being the result, followed by ‘lifetime’ treatment with Palladia. It sounds like a lot. She is a vibrant and active 13 year old–for all appearances, half her age–butt still, she is 13, and I don’t want to overwhelm her. She has bounced back from her previous surgeries beautifully…the removal of the HCC at the age of 11, and the partial ear removal from the MCT just about a month ago. But I hate to keep putting her through it. I will see if I can find a good holistic practitioner to consult with. We already use a lot of nutritional and supplemental support–K9 Immunity, home cooking, and just started with the Denamarin. I just wish the MCT wasn’t such a scary and unpredictable cancer.

Our vet gave our cat 10 tablets of 90mg Denamarin because her liver readings were a little elevated. He said not dangerous levels. She seems much more active. Was wondering if I could give her 5 Denamarin tablets every quarter as maintenance. Will ask vet to do blood work when she gets her yearly exam and vaccines. Are there any side effects that may happen from the quarterly dose of 5 Denamarin tablets?

Hi Brenda and thank you for your question. For any medical concerns, we always recommend you consult your veterinarian, or you can discuss pet medications with one of our pharmacists at 1-888-738-6331. For non-emergency questions, you can contact Dr. Dym directly using our Ask the Vet form.
~ Abby, PetMeds Pro